Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IS COOPER STONE LOCATED?
Cooper Stone Corporation is located in Jarrell, Texas, North of Austin and South of Waco, just off of Interstate 35. Once you reach Jarrell, exit #275, head West on FM 487. Go 3.5 miles on FM 487 W until you see the large stone on the right that reads "Cooper Stone." Turn right into the main entrance and enter the office on the left side of the drive.

WHY IS COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE CONSIDERED THE MOST SUPERIOR STONE VENEER PRODUCT IN THE WORLD?
It's natural, straight from the earth and affordably priced. That's why so many architects, builders and homeowners choose Cooper Natural Thin Stone. Cooper Stone's unique process quarries natural stone blocks and processes those in a manner that maintains nature's beauty. The warmth and richness of Cooper Natural Thin Stone creates unique spaces of permanence and romance.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL THIN STONE AND MANUFACTURED STONE VENEER?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone is a natural product. For centuries buildings have been constructed with stone because of the longevity of the product. Manufactured stone veneer is cast from molds and is a concrete product that has an applied finish which fades and discolors over time. Cooper Natural Thin Stone and man-made stone weigh virtually the same and therefore have the same installation process and cost. Only Natural Thin Stone can claim to forever look natural because it is natural.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
Installed, Natural Thin Stone is roughly the same cost of manufactured stone and 1/2 the cost of full-thickness natural stone. Natural Thin Stone's light weight properties eliminate the need for wall ties, lintels or footings. Natural Thin Stone has a 2% waste factor versus 10% or more for full-thickness natural stone.

WHERE CAN I INSTALL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. Structurally sound surfaces include wood or metal stud walls, untreated masonry walls, concrete or stucco walls. These surfaces can be found on interiors or exteriors, new or remodels, residential or commercial projects.

HOW DOES COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE HANDLE FREEZE/THAW CYCLES?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone products are testing for freeze/thaw durability. As with any installation, making sure to incorporate good building practices that include proper flashing and water diversion techniques will help ensure a successful installation.

HOW MUCH DOES COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE WEIGH?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone qualifies as an adhered veneer because it weighs less than 15 lbs. per square foot. On average it weighs approximately 9-11 lbs. per square foot.

WILL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE FADE?
Natural stone does slightly weather over time, but only as nature intended. Simply power washing the surface of the stone will eliminate any weathering. This cleaning of natural stone could never be done on a manufactured stone because the applied finish of manufactured stone would be removed.

WHAT TYPE OF INSTALLATION COVERAGE CAN BE EXPECTED?
In most cases 100 square feet a day is typical. When bonding agents are added to the mortar, installation rates can increase to nearly 200 square feet per day depending on the pattern being installed. Ledgestone, with its irregular shapes and smaller sizes, can provide coverage of 70-80 square feet per day.

WHERE CAN I BUY COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone is sold by high quality distributors in 32 states across the U.S. Please contact us at 512-746-2210 or at info@cooperstone.com to locate a nearby distributor.

DOES COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE MEET BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone complies with all applicable Building Code requirements. A copy of Cooper Natural Thin Stone's Technical Data can be obtained by contacting us at 512-746-2210 or at info@cooperstone.com.

CAN I INSTALL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE ON OVERHEAD HORIZONTAL SURFACES?
Verify your installation with your building official and consult with an engineer for specific design issues on your project. Certain grout and mortar manufacturers will support their product's use in these installations.

CAN I INSTALL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE NEAR WATER?
Although Cooper Natural Thin Stone can be used below grade, in fountains and pools, expect some product discoloration due to the minerals in the ground and water. High quality penetrating breathable sealers are recommended for these areas and you should consult your installer to help select the appropriate product.

HOW THICK IS COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
Product thickness is typically 0.75" to 1.25" depending on the product selection. The substrate adds an additional 0.5" to 1.0" to the thickness.

CAN COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE BE CUT OR TRIMMED?
Yes, Cooper Natural Thin Stone is easily cut or trimmed using a hatchet or wide-mouth nipper. You may also use a masonry blade with a circular or masonry saw.

WHAT HAPPENS IF COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE IS DAMAGED?
Chips and cracks simply add to the character of the stone and since the color of natural stone runs throughout each stone there is no need to worry about damage. In contrast, manufactured stone when damaged reveals the concrete beneath the applied color requiring repair.

HOW DO I CLEAN COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
To clean dirt and other particles simple spray off the stone or use a wire brush. Detergents can also be used, but test first in a small area to ensure the detergent does not discolor the stone. Power washers can be used, but be careful about damaging the grout. With manufactured stone none of these steps are possible.

HOW DO I CLEAN EFFLORESCENCE?
If efflorescence occurs, as it does with some masonry products, it is usually the result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate. This is a common problem for manufactured stone due to its higher absorption rates. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. Efflorescence naturally disappears over time as long as the moisture source is controlled or eliminated. Efflorescence may be removed with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water. Scrub using a bristle or wire brush and rinse well with clean water.

DOES COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE REQUIRE MOVEMENT JOINTS?
Natural stone is relatively stable and will not move of its own accord. All buildings move slightly over time in response to applied loads, foundation settlement, traffic vibrations, and changes in temperature and humidity. This movement can sometimes cause cracks to appear in the veneer unless movement joints are incorporated into the design.

Typical locations for movement joints include:

near building corners

at window and door openings (use a movement joint at one side of an opening 6 to 12 feet wide; openings over 12 feet wide need a joint at each jamb)

where the stone veneer meets another material such as siding or stucco

about 35 feet on center for large walls without openings

Movement joints should be flexible. Leave a 3/8" gap through the veneer and fill with backer rod and sealant.

HOW DO I INSTALL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE WHEN THERE IS AN EXPANSION JOINT?
Treat each section as a "separate" installation. Do not span movement joints with the stone veneer.

WHAT IS COOPER STONE'S RECOMMENDATION REGARDING FLASHING AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS?
To maintain the weather-resistance of the exterior wall on which the stone products are installed, a rigid, corrosion-resistant flashing (and a means of drainage) should be installed at all penetrations and terminations of the stone veneer cladding. Flashing types and locations should be in accordance with the requirements of the local building codes. Also refer to ASTM E2112.

DOES COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE NEED A LEDGE DETAIL AT THE BOTTOM FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORT?
No footings or support ledges are needed for structural reasons.

CAN I INSTALL COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE AROUND A FIREPLACE?
Yes. Cooper Natural Thin Stone should be installed a minimum of 18" from any open flame.

CAN COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE BE USED ON WALKWAYS AND PATIOS?
Yes. There are certain products that are designed to walk on. Please contact us for specific information.

WHAT MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR APPLICATIONS OVER 30 FEET?
Cooper Natural Thin Stone can be installed on any structurally sound surface. For all applications up to 30' in height we recommend following our Installation Procedures. Unless special construction techniques accommodate differential movement, which has been approved by a local code official, there is a 30' height limit for installations over wood-framed construction. For installations over non wood-framed construction, there are no specific height limitations.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT COOPER NATURAL THIN STONE?
At www.cooperstone.com, by emailing info@cooperstone.com or by calling (512) 746-2210.